About the project

The need to build a new bridge across the Bow River was identified in 2002 to connect arterial roads and help move traffic more efficiently across the river.

The west side of the bridge structure will be located at the east end of the public space (west side of the river) that currently has a parking lot and access to the multi-use pathway and off-leash dog area. The east side of the bridge will connect with the new part of James Walker Trail.

All the work done to date is based on functional studies that determined the most efficient alignment for both sides of the proposed bridge and considered current and future land uses, roadway length and grades, bridge span, floodways and impacts to adjacent properties.

The location for the bridge was chosen in 2002 and is based on:

• Community growth
• Community connectivity
• River shape, in particular, avoiding the bend where ice can build up
• Significant variances in grade and topography
• Suitable road alignment with Griffin Road

The new bridge will:

• Meet current design and engineering standards
• Provide two lanes for vehicle traffic with adequate lane widths to accommodate emergency vehicles and transit vehicles in the future
• Provide pedestrian/cycling access, including on-street bike lanes and a separated, 3-metre multi-use pathway that connects with Cochrane’s existing pathway system.
• Incorporate an historical/commemorative component through the name and aesthetics.
• Connect the north and south sides of Cochrane

Visit the bridge project page on the Town of Cochrane website.

Provide your input

Thank you to everyone who voted for in the bridge naming.

Council voted April 8, 2019 to approve Jack Tennant Memorial Bridge as the name of Cochrane’s new bridge. Many thanks to Brenda Tennant and other members of the Tennant family for joining us for the announcement.